Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 1 Series?

The older 118d diesel powertrain has been among the most popular, but it isn't available in the newer models. This diesel engine had a good balance of value and power, rated at 148bhp. The most popular petrol engine is the 118i, likely because it's the entry level in the lineup, making it the most affordable to buy.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

The new 1 Series comes in five trims: SE, Sport, 128ti, M Sport and M135i. The M Sport is among the most popular in the used market because of its upgraded performance and styling features, including upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and special 'M' trim detailing.

Is the BMW 1 Series a good family car?

Even though it's a compact hatchback, the BMW 1 Series is a good car for families. While it can be tight for adults in the rear seat, there's plenty of room for children, and ISOFIX points are included for child seats.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW 1 Series?

BMW hasn't fitted a hybrid powertrain to the 1 Series yet. It has only been offered with traditional petrol and diesel engines.

Is the BMW 1 Series available as an automatic?

The 1 Series has been available as an automatic and with a manual gearbox. Both of these are popular among the used models, so it should be easy for customers to find the example that suits their needs.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

The BMW 1 Series started as a rear-wheel drive car. It was later reconfigured to have front-wheel drive as standard. The top specification M135i is equipped with all-wheel drive, as are some variants of the 120d. Look out for cars badged as xDrive - this is the name of BMW's all-wheel drive system.

2,722 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2011 (09) - 120d SE 2dr

£2,495

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Warne Automotive

01233224229 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i M Sport 3-Door

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
84.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Swans Motor Group LTD

01603516692 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 3.0 M135i 3 door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

3L
67.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - BLU

Low Mileage

£23,663

Finance available £476 pm

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d SE Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,999

Finance available £89 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Karhouse

01494291900 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£8,395

Finance available £165 pm

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Roxforde Cars

02890023134 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,590

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
101.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Reduced

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McFadden Motors

02879440897 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118I 136 STEP LCP M Sport 5-Door

£20,799

Finance available £451 pm

1.5L
41.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hendy Renault Salisbury

01722441729 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d SE Business 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / SENSORS ++

Low Mileage

£10,675

Finance available £216 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 120d M Sport 5dr

£1,695

2L
143.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] Diesel Hatchback

£25,841

1.5L
13.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,769

Finance available £450 pm

2L
26.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(13) - 2.0 120d Exclusive Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,600

Finance available £125 pm

55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

WESTERHOPE MOTOR GROUP LIMITED

01916911121 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Reduced

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,145

2L
35.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,299

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£25,998

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,079

Finance available £248 pm

29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Hyundai Scarborough

01723333359 *

Why buy a used BMW 1 Series?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, fun to drive and stylish, then a used BMW 1 Series is a fantastic choice. With BMW build quality, a used 1 Series provides luxury motoring at an affordable price. The interior offers supportive seating, high-tech features and upscale materials that provide a refined driving experience.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros

Economical diesels
Fun to drive
Excellent build quality

Cons

Lack of hybrid/electric model
Limited cabin and boot space
Firm ride

Read our BMW 1 Series review

BMW 1 Series video review

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Used BMW 1 Series buying guide

Engines and transmissions

The BMW 1 Series has been available with petrol and diesel engines, a manual or an automatic gearbox, and rear, front or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5-litre 118i produces 134bhp for a 0-60mph time of 8.6 seconds and an efficiency rating of up to 49.6mpg. This is the most popular engine.
2.0-litre 128ti boosts the output to 261bhp, giving it a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds and an efficiency rating of 40.9mpg.
3.0-litre M135i tops the range with 315bhp and a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds, but the efficiency drops to 35mpg.

Diesel

1.5-litre 116d makes 114bhp for a 10-second 0-60mph time and a rating of up to 62.8mpg.
2.0-litre 120d outputs 187bhp to reduce the 0-62mph time to 7.3 seconds, while still maintaining efficiency of up to 57.6mpg.
Older 118d creates 147bhp and was one of the most popular options.

Practicality

Despite being a compact car, the 1 Series hatchback provides a surprising amount of room, making it practical for everyday driving.

Interior space

Front seats are supportive and offer a lot of room.
Rear seats can be tight for adults on long drives.
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats are easy to access.

Boot space

380-litre boot compares with the Audi A3.
Folding the rear seats down opens up 1,200 litres of room.
Available 40:20:40 split folding seats allow for the middle seat to be folded independently.

Bodystyles

Five-door hatchback has been the main body style since its introduction.
Three-door hatchback was discontinued after the second generation.
Two-door coupé was available for part of the first generation, later joining the 2 Series lineup.
Two-door convertible was only available during the first generation, but later became part of the 2 Series lineup.

Safety

Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating given in 2019.
87% rating for child occupant and an 83% adult occupant rating.
Standard safety kit includes parking sensors (front and rear), cruise control and LED headlights.

Technology

10.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional driver display matches the 3 Series.
Larger 10.3-inch infotainment system display replaced the smaller 8.8-inch model.
Available wireless device charging.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros